Metallica is turning up the volume on support for the skilled trades this Labour Day weekend with the auction of a custom Case compact track loader inspired by frontman James Hetfield.
In partnership with Case Construction Equipment, Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands, is auctioning off edition number 1 of 25 Hetskid — The James Hetfield-inspired Case compact track loader — via the Purple Wave auction site.
“These are the kinds of relationships we love. Since day one, the team at CNH has embraced the work All Within My Hands is doing across the board,” said Renee Richardson, the foundation’s Director of Philanthropy.
“From direct financial support to the Metallica Scholars Initiative, where we provide funding for trade education, to volunteering with us at food banks along Metallica’s M72 World Tour, and now this incredible machine that I dare anyone to actually use in the dirt.”
RELATED: Metallica frontman James Hetfield commissions a custom CTL
Built at the Case production facility in Wichita, Kansas, the custom-designed Case TV450B compact track loader is the first off the line and is the same as the one destined for use at the ranch of Metallica frontman and co-founder James Hetfield.
Hetfield commissioned the design as part of an equipment supply agreement with the Case brand in 2024. For collectors or dirt movers alike, this auction is a chance to own Case and Metallica history.
The CTL includes a custom wrap based on one of Hetfield’s famous guitars over the Hetfield Limited Edition TV450B’s gray base paint.
The sides and back of the machine showcase exterior decals and badging that include a font reminiscent of Metallica’s iconic graphics and a skull with wings inspired by one of Hetfield’s tattoos.
On the rear grill, a Hetfield decal is overlaid on a laser-cut steel nameplate secured with anti-tamper fasteners. The cab’s interior features a distinctive guitar-shaped, sequentially numbered serial badge and a Hetfield/CASE decal on the seat.
The Hetfield Limited Edition TV450B is a workhorse with a 90-hp engine, a2,045 kg rated operating capacity and low ground pressure, allowing operators to lift more without disturbing existing turf.
Purple Wave Auction is hosting the auction, which runs through Dec. 17, and 100 per cent of the final sale price goes directly to All Within My Hands and its Metallica Scholars Initiative.
Purple Wave is also donating the 10 per cent buyer’s premium so that every dollar goes to the cause. Register for free, search “Hetskid” and start bidding today at purplewave.com.
